Get Out of Your Comfort Zone Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I give the educational experience a four because, while my grammar and phonetics professors were well trained and extremely knowledgeable, course applications were a bit confusing--the courses I thought were going to be offered were changed once I arrived, and the schedule is not available until classes start, which makes it hard to plan ahead. I took 18 credits, though, and I enjoyed all of my classes thoroughly.

On-site administration of your program

I liked the on-site administration. The staff are friendly and helpful, and often offer great insights into the city. My only difficulty was with the course offerings being given to us on such short notice, which probably was not admin's fault.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my home stay. I had my own room and a pretty large living space. My host mother and siblings were warm and helpful, and living with them enriched my experience a lot.

Butter and Cream. Need I say more?

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated with the local culture. If I am honest, however, this was mostly attributed to my own efforts, not the program. The program does a good job of giving students a comfortable home base, but does not really facilitate cultural engagement with locals. This you must do yourself. I joined a local church, taught English lessons to a young French girl, and found ways to meet people outside of the program activities. If you make the effort, immersion will happen. But if not, it is very easy to stay in your American comfort zone.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Insurance is included in AIFS packages, so health care issues are well handled. I did not have to deal with any health problems, except a minor cold which was treated with cold medicine from the local pharmacy. I did not need any special vaccines for this program.

Paris is a metropolitan city. I'm from a large city myself, so I found that the same urban rules apply: be vigilant about your surroundings, pay attention to where you are walking, and who is around you. Keep your valuable items on your body, not in bags or pockets which give easy access to thieves. I know many people are fearful of attacks after what has happened in 2015, but having experienced 9/11 I have come to expect that terrorism happens everywhere. Students should use caution and common sense.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Paris is expensive. AIFS offers all inclusive programs, which means that your housing, travel and tuition is paid before you arrive. However, you still must pay for things like books, transport, laundry, food, and cultural activities. The currency exchange adds some stress to this as well. The only other large expenses I had were monthly metro passes, which were about $80USD a month.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

When spending time together with other students in the program, we mostly spoke in English. This was understandable, but I also wish AIFS had facilitated some sort of meet and greet or buddy system with local French students.

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• Host Family

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• Americans
• Host Family

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• Americans
• International Students

• All Inclusive Package
• Knowledgeable and Helpful Educators
• Great Location

• Course Listings/Registration
• Facilitated Interactions with Locals

The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer